How to get root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 9C: a safe way to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi 9C opens up the hidden capabilities of Android, but requires careful attention. This smartphone based on MediaTek Helio G35 has a closed bootloader, so standard methods like KingRoot will not work here. You will have to unlock the bootloader through the official tool Mi Unlock, install custom recovery TWRP and flash Magisk to manage root rights.

The process is not as complicated as it seems, but every step is critical: an unblocking error can lead to a Mi Account lock, and a wrong TWRP firmware can lead to a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss current methods for 2026, taking into account the changes in Xiaomi policy and the features of the firmware for Redmi 9C (codename angelica).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the smartphone to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. Use Mi Cloud or local backup before starting the procedure.

1. Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, make sure your Redmi 9C meets the key requirements. First, check the MIUI version: at the time of writing (2026), the current global firmware is MIUI 14 and later. If you have a Chinese version (China ROM), it will have to be changed to a global or EEA through the Mi Flash Tool, otherwise Mi Unlock will not work.

Second, be sure to link your Mi Account to your device. Unlocking is impossible without that. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Make sure your account has two-factor authentication enabled, which will protect you from being blocked in case of accidental errors.

📱 Version. MIUI: It has to be global (EEA/Global) Or Indian. Chinese firmware is not supported.
🔗 Account Linking: Log in to Mi Account and synchronize data.
🔋 Battery charge: At least 60% Unlock can take up to 30 minutes.
💻 Computer: Needs a Windows PC 7/10/11. MacOS Mi Unlock is not working.

Also download the necessary tools:

🛠️ Official firmware for Redmi 9C (Choose your region).
🔓 Mi Unlock Tool (Last version).
🔧 TWRP for Angelica (check compatibility with your version) MIUI).
🧙 Magisk (version 26.4 or later).

📊 You’ve already tried rooting on Xiaomi?

Yeah, but it didn't work.

Yeah, it worked.

No, it's my first time.

I don't know what root is.

2 Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock

Unlocking the bootloader is the most important step. Xiaomi has imposed strict restrictions: it now requires a wait of 7 days after you have linked your account to your device. If you just created a Mi Account or reset your phone, you will have to wait. Check the unlock status in the developer menu:

Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Find the item "Mi Unlock status" if it says "Added to account" - you can start.

Then connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode:

Turn off your smartphone.
Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
Connect the USB cable to your PC (use the original cable!).

Run the Mi Unlock Tool (on behalf of the administrator) and follow the instructions. If the program gives you a Couldn't unlock error, check:

🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another port or cable).
🖥️ Disable the antivirus – it can block drivers.
⏳ Wait 7 days if your account is new.

What if Mi Unlock can’t see the device?

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool.2 drivers. In Device Manager, check if the phone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.3. Try another Windows 10/11 PC.

⚠️ Warning: Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset, all data, including internal memory, will be erased. Do not interrupt the process, this can result in Mi Account being blocked for 30 days.

3. Installation of TWRP Recovery on Redmi 9C

With the bootloader unlocked, you can start installing custom recovery. 9C (Angelica, use it. TWRP from the official website or verified builds from the developer peera_ro. Important: Not all versions TWRP compatible MIUI 14+. Before the firmware check compatibility in the theme XDA Developers.

Installation instructions:

Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_12-angelica.img (or a new version, and rename it in recovery.img.
Place the file in the folder with the platform-tools (from Android SDK).
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in the previous step).
Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and do:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot boot recovery.img

If it goes well, the phone will reboot to TWRP. It's important to avoid replacing recovery with stock: after the first download in TWRP, go to Reboot → Recovery to secure the installation. If you skip this step, the next time MIUI turns on, it will rewrite TWRP with standard recovery.

☑️ Firmware preparation TWRP

Download the correct version of TWRP for AngelicaChecksum (MD5) File ChecksumDisable signature verification in TWRP (if required)Make a backup of the EFS (IMEI) section

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 after installation TWRP It could be a network loss. It's due to partition damage. EFS. To avoid the problem, immediately after entering the TWRP backup the section. EFS (backup → Select Partitions).

4. Magisk firmware for root rights

Magisk is a universal root rights management tool that doesn’t break SafetyNet (needed for banking applications). Redmi 9C is the latest stable version of Magisk (26.4+). Download the Magisk-v26.4.zip file and transfer it to your phone or flash drive.

Installation via TWRP:

Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on).
Press Install and select the file Magisk-v26.4.zip.
Swipe to confirm the firmware.
After completion, press Reboot System.

The first download after Magisk firmware can take up to 10 minutes. Don't panic - it's okay. Once turned on, check for root using the Root Checker app or the built-in Magisk manager.

If root didn't show up,

🔄 Re-flash Magisk again.
📱 Check the version. TWRP — Some of the assemblies are not properly stitched ZIP-file.
🔧 Install Magisk manually via fastboot (for power users).

💡

If after the firmware Magisk stopped working banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff), turn on the option MagiskHide in the settings Magisk and restart the phone.

5. Checking the performance and troubleshooting problems

Once you have root rights, it's important to make sure everything works correctly. First, check SafetyNet status:

Open Magisk and press Check SafetyNet.
If you are FAIL, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk.

Second, test the basic functions:

Function	How to check	Possible problem
Mobile network	Call or check the internet	EFS section damaged (restore from backup)
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	Connect to the network.	Core drivers (flash the firmware)
Camera.	Take a photo.	Conflict with Magisk modules (disable them)
Banking applications	Launch Sberbank Online	SafetyNet not passed (install MagiskHide Props Config)

If after receiving root, the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, check:

🔋 Background Processes: Use BetterBatteryStats to analyze the flow.
📉 Magisk modules: Disable unnecessary modules in the manager.
🔄 Firmware: Perhaps it is worth returning to stock MIUI repeat.

💡

If the root phone doesn’t turn on or freezes on the logo after receiving it, try booting into TWRP and flashing the original firmware through Fastboot.

6. Alternative methods of obtaining root

If the standard way with TWRP and Magisk didn't work, there are alternatives, one of which is to use a patched firmware with a root already sewn in. For example, Xiaomi.EU offers custom firmware for Redmi 9C with Magisk preinstalled.

✅ You don't have to sew it separately. TWRP.
✅ Stable work with updates.
✅ SafetyNet support out of the box".

Cons:

❌ Complete data reset is required.
❌ No official support from Xiaomi.

For installation:

Download the Xiaomi.EU firmware for Angelica.
Sweep it through TWRP or Fastboot (instructions on the project website).
Once installed, root will be active.

Another method is to use the MTKclient utility for MediaTek devices, which is more complicated and requires knowledge of the SP Flash Tool, but can help if the TWRP refuses to install. Importantly, MTKclient only works on Windows and requires you to disable the driver signature.

7.How to remove root and return stock firmware

If you need to return your phone to its original state (for example, for warranty repairs), follow the following steps:

Download the official firmware for Redmi 9C from Xiaomi’s website (select Fastboot version).
Unpack the archive and launch it. flash_all.bat (Windows).
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
Wait for the firmware to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Then the root will be removed and the bootloader will remain unlocked. To block it back, use the command:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader erases all data, including internal memory (userdata).If you need to save files, make a backup before executing this command.

If the phone does not turn on after returning to stock firmware, try:

🔄 Re-switching to using flash_all_except_storage.bat (retain).
🔧 Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi 9C

Can I get root without unlocking the bootloader?

No. On the Redmi 9C (as on all modern Xiaomi smartphones), unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. Methods like KingRoot or exploits for MediaTek do not work on current versions of MIUI.

Why does Mi Unlock write "Couldn't unlock"?

The reasons can be different: Mi Account is not tied to the device or new (you have to wait 7 days), Chinese firmware (China ROM) is used, problems with drivers or USB cable. Xiaomi servers are overloaded (try later). Solution: check all the items from the first section of the article and try again.

How to update MIUI after getting root?

Update MIUI via Settings → Update system can not — this will lead to loss of root and possible locking of the bootloader. Instead: Download the full service pack (.zip) from the Xiaomi site. Sweep it through TWRP (no Wipe!). After the update, re-sweep Magisk.

Will Google Pay work after you get root?

Yes, but you'll need additional customization: In Magisk, turn on MagiskHide. Install the MagiskHide Props Config module. In the module settings, select Google in the app list. Reboot your phone and check SafetyNet. If Google Pay still doesn't work, try the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

Can I get root on the Redmi 9C NFC?

Redmi 9C NFC (codenamed angelicanfc) has the same steps to get root, but requires a separate version of TWRP. Download recovery only for angelicanfc - firmware version for the regular Redmi 9C will lead to brick!